Lecture 3: Colonial, authoritarian and democratic legacies Flashcards
Who are key authors in defining democracy?
Gerring et al. (2022), Diamond (1999), Przeworski et al. (1996).
What are the positive empirical impacts of democracy?
Better human rights, reduced corruption, improved education/health, stronger environmental policies, economic growth.
What outcomes are not significantly affected by democracy?
Inequality, inflation, and public spending levels.
What is the debate between normative and empirical views of democracy?
Normative views emphasize democracy’s intrinsic value (freedom, equality), while empirical views focus on measurable outcomes.
What are the three phases of democratization, and who defined them?
Transition (Diamond, 1999), Stabilization/Consolidation (Linz & Stepan, 1996; Svolik, 2008), Deepening (Morlino & Diamond, 2005).
What is democratic transition?
The shift from autocracy to democracy.
What is democratic stabilization/consolidation?
Ensuring immunity to backsliding through peaceful power transitions and societal legitimacy.
What is democratic deepening?
Enhancing democratic quality through increased transparency, participation, and accountability.
What are challenges in defining democratic consolidation?
Overlapping phases, debate over criteria (Huntington’s “two alternations in power” vs. broader legitimacy).
What are the long-term causes of democratization?
Economic development, colonial history, social structures (e.g., class divisions).
What are the mid-term causes of democratization?
Institutional design (power-sharing vs. presidentialism), resource curse.
What are the short-term causes of democratization?
Political actors (elite negotiations), crises (economic collapse, wars).
What are key theoretical frameworks for democratization?
Preconditionalists (democracy requires specific conditions) vs. Universalists (democracy possible anywhere).
What are Huntington’s waves of democratization?
First (1789-1918), Second (1945-1960), Third (1974-1989), Later waves (post-1989).
What are authoritarian legacies, and who studied them?
Persistence of successor parties, constitutions, sub-national enclaves (Loxton).
How can authoritarian legacies hinder democratization?
Can obstruct reforms unless addressed via transitional justice (e.g., Spain, Mexico).
How do colonial legacies shape democratization?
Influence institutions, electoral systems, governance models (e.g., British parliamentary, French semi-presidentialism).
How did settler and extraction colonies differ in legacy?
Settler colonies (e.g., India) had stronger institutions, while extractive colonies (e.g., DR Congo) developed predatory states.
How does population density relate to democratization?
High-density areas had exploitative labor systems; low-density areas had democratic concessions (e.g., U.S. frontier).
What were the key characteristics of the First Wave of democratization (1789-1918)?
Constitutional monarchies, suffrage expansion, American/French Revolutions, Latin American independence.
What were the key characteristics of the Second Wave of democratization (1945-1960)?
Post-WWII re-democratization (West Germany, Italy), decolonization (India, Ghana), weak institutions led to reversals in Africa/Asia.
What were the key characteristics of the Third Wave of democratization (1974-1989)?
Pacted transitions in Southern Europe and Latin America, economic crises, international pressure.
What are the characteristics of Later Waves of democratization (post-1989)?
Hybrid regimes (Ukraine, Indonesia), democratization-by-elections, challenges of backsliding and weak state capacity.
How does transition type affect democratization?
Pacted, non-violent, home-grown transitions tend to be more successful.
